Adjustable mass exercise methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise dumbbell includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship relative thereto. At least one weight selector is movable into and out of engagement with different combinations of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and moreparticularly, to methods and apparatus for adjusting weight resistanceto exercise activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide improved apparatusand/or methods for selecting different combinations of weight to resistexercise movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and apparatus involving themovement of mass subject to gravitational force. In a preferredapplication, the present invention allows a person to adjust weightresistance by securing a desired amount of mass to opposite ends of aweight lifting member.

In one respect, the present invention may be described in terms of amethod of adjusting free weight resistance to exercise. In this regard,a weight lifting member is provided with weight supports and defines alongitudinal axis. Weights are provided and configured to be supportedby the weight supports. A weight selector is provided with a first endportion sized and configured for insertion into less than all of theweights, and a relatively longer, second end portion sized andconfigured for insertion into a relatively greater number of theweights. The first end portion and the second end portion arealternatively inserted into respective weights to secure desiredcombinations of the weights to the weight lifting member. In a preferredapplication, the weight lifting member includes a handle, and the weightsupports are disposed at opposite ends of the handle.

In another respect, the present invention may be described in terms ofexercise dumbbells. One such dumbbell includes a handle that defines alongitudinal axis. Weight supports are secured to opposite ends of thehandle. Weights are sized and configured to be supported by the weightsupports. The weights include a first weight having an outwardlyprojecting tab that extends laterally in a first direction and defines afirst hole, and a second weight having an outwardly projecting tab thatextends laterally in an opposite, second direction and defines a secondhole. When the first weight and the second weight are axially aligned,each said tab is visible from each end of the longitudinal axis. Aweight selector is configured for insertion through at least one of theweight supports, through the first hole, and alongside of the secondweight, and alternatively, for insertion through at least one of theweight supports, alongside of the first weight, and through the secondhole.

Another such dumbbell similarly includes a handle that defines alongitudinal axis, weight supports mounted on opposite ends of thehandle, and weights sized and configured to be supported by the weightsupports. A weight selector has a first end portion configured to selecta first combination of the weights upon insertion into a passage definedby at least some of the weight supports, and a second end portionconfigured to select a different, second combination of the weights uponinsertion into the passage.

Yet another such dumbbell includes a handle that defines a longitudinalaxis, weight supports mounted on opposite ends of the handle, andweights sized and configured to be supported in respective, axiallyspaced positions defined by the weight supports. A weight selector has afirst end portion configured to span a first group of the weights uponinsertion into a passage defined by at least some of the weightsupports, and a relatively longer, second end portion configured to spana second group of the weights upon insertion into a passage defined byat least some of the weight supports.

Still another such exercise dumbbell includes a handle assembly having ahandle that defines a longitudinal axis. First weight supports mountedon a first end of the handle assembly, and second weight supportsmounted on a second end of the handle assembly. First end weights areconfigured to be supported in respective, axially spaced positionsdefined by the first weight supports. The first end weights include afirst weight, a second weight that weighs twice as much as the firstweight, and a third weight that weighs three times as much as the firstweight. Second end weights are configured to be supported in respective,axially spaced positions defined by the second weight supports. Thesecond end weights include a fourth weight, a fifth weight that weighstwice as much as the fourth weight, and a sixth weight that weighs threetimes as much as the fourth weight. At least one weight selectorconfigured to releasably connect different combinations of the weightsto the handle assembly.

Many features and/or advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the more detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numeralsrepresent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is a side view of a handle assembly constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 with weightplates secured to opposite ends thereof;

FIG. 3 is a sectioned end view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1, takenalong the section line 3—3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectioned end view of the handle assembly and weight platesof FIG. 2, taken along the section line 4—4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a base configured to support the weight platesof FIG. 2, and supporting a group of weight plates from one end of thehandle assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned side view of the base and weight platesof FIG. 5, taken along the section line 6—6;

FIG. 7 is an end view of a first weight plate shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a second weight plate shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6;

FIG. 9 is an end view of a third weight plate shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6;

FIG. 10 is an end view of a support plate on the handle assembly ofFIGS. 1 and 3;

FIG. 11 is an end view of a spacer on the handle assembly of FIGS. 1 and3;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a retainer on the handle assembly of FIGS. 1and 3;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the retainer of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an opposite end view of the retainer of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a weight selector on the handle assembly ofFIGS. 1 and 3;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the weight selector of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an end view of the weight selector of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a sectioned end view of another exercise dumbbell constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a partially sectioned top view of a portion of the exercisedumbbell of FIG. 18, taken along the section line 19—19;

FIG. 20 is another partially sectioned top view of the portion of theexercise dumbbell of FIG. 19, showing a second weight selectorarrangement;

FIG. 21 is yet another partially sectioned top view of the portion ofthe exercise dumbbell of FIG. 19, showing a third weight selectorarrangement; and

FIG. 22 is still another partially sectioned top view of the portion ofthe exercise dumbbell of FIG. 19, showing a fourth weight selectorarrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An exercise dumbbell constructed according to the principles of thepresent invention is designated as 100 in FIGS. 2 and 4. The dumbbell100 includes a weight lifting member or handle assembly 110, and aplurality of weight plates 167-169 that are selectively secured to thehandle assembly 110. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the weight plates 167-169are supported by a base or cradle 200 when not in use. In other words,the base 200 is configured to support the weight plates 167-169 in arest position.

The base 200 includes opposite end weight compartments that areinterconnected by intermediate rails or walls 202. Each weightcompartment defines three slots 207-209 that are configured to receiverespective weight plates 167-169, and each weight compartment is boundedby opposite sidewalls that are configured to support respectiveshoulders on the weight plates 167-169. An advantage of this particularbase 200 is that it may formed by extrusion (because it has a uniformprofile as viewed from above or below). Another advantage of thisparticular base 200 is that it can be made narrower than the width ofthe weight plates 167-169. In any event, the dumbbell 100 may be used inconjunction with other bases in the alternative.

The handle assembly 110 includes a bar 112 that is preferably a squaretube made of steel. The bar 112 extends substantially the entire lengthof the handle assembly 110. A hand grip 120 is mounted on anintermediate portion of the bar 112. The hand grip 120 is preferably acylindrical tube made of plastic, and it may be knurled and/or contouredto facilitate a comfortable and reliable grip. As shown in FIGS. 3-4,the hand grip 120 fits snugly onto the bar 112 in a manner that preventsrotation relative thereto.

First and second retainers 150 are mounted on opposite ends of the bar112 and bear against respective ends of the hand grip 120. One of theretainers 150 is shown by itself in FIGS. 12-14. The retainers 150 arepreferably made of plastic and formed by injection molding. As on thehand grip 120, a square hole 152 extends through each retainer 150 toaccommodate a snug fit on the bar 112 and prevent rotation relativethereto. The hole 152 extends through a relatively thick, central blockportion 151 of the retainer 150. Three relatively thinner wings orflanges 153-155 extend outward from respective sides of the blockportion 151. Tabs or nubs 156 are provided on the wing 155, and tabs ornubs 157 are provided on respective wings 153-154. Also, stops 158 areprovided on respective wings 153-154.

First and second sets of support plates 136-139 and spacers 117-118 aremounted on respective ends of the bar 112 after the retainers 150. Likethe retainers 150 and the hand grip 120, the support plates 136-139 andthe spacers 117-118 fit snugly onto the bar 112 in a manner thatprevents rotation relative thereto. The inner plates 136 cooperate withthe wings 153-155 on respective retainers 150 to define respective gapstherebetween.

One of the support plates 136 is shown by itself in FIG. 10. The plate136 may be described in terms of a center portion that is circular, andopposite side portions that are generally rectangular. A square hole 132extends through the center of the plate 136 to accommodate a snug fit onthe bar 112 and prevent rotation relative thereto. Holes A-D extendthrough the plate 136, and the plate 136 bears indicia associated withthe holes A-D.

One of the spacers 117 is shown by itself in FIG. 11. The spacer 117 maybe described as a substantially hollow block that is configured tooccupy a slot in one of the weight plates 167. A square hole 113 extendsthrough the lower end of the spacer 117 to accommodate a snug fit on thebar 112 and prevent rotation relative thereto. An opening in the upperportion of the spacer 117 improves the strength-to-mass ratio of thepart. The spacer 117 is one-half as long as the spacer 118.

Both the support plates 136-139 and the spacers 117-118 are preferablymade of plastic and formed by injection molding. The plates 136-139 andthe spacers 117-118 may be configured and arranged to limit the amountof tooling required to make the handle assembly 110. For example, asmany as all of the plates 136-139 may be made identical to one another(as shown in FIG. 1, with one end of the handle assembly 110 a rotatedcopy of the other end), and/or the two spacers 117-118 may be used incombination to provide a third, relatively longer spacer (as shown inFIG. 1). Also, the plates 136-139 and the spacers 117-118 may be formedas separate parts or combined into one or more unitary pieces. Forexample, on an alternative embodiment, the innermost plate 136 and theadjacent spacer 117 may be formed as a unitary part, and the adjacentplate 137 and subsequent spacer 118 may be formed as a unitary part. Aduplicate of the former part may be used at the same end of the handleassembly 110, and a duplicate of the latter part may be used at theopposite end of the handle assembly 110 (when the two ends areconfigured as mirror images of one another). This alternative embodimentmay be considered advantageous to the extent that the parts are bothfewer in number and enhanced in terms of structural integrity.

First and second fasteners 102 are secured to respective ends of the bar112, preferably in a manner that clamps the other componentstherebetween. Each fastener 102 is preferably a self-tapping screwhaving a shaft that threads into a respective end of the bar 112, and arelatively larger diameter head that overlies a respective outer endsupport 139.

One of the weight plates 167 is shown by itself in FIG. 7. The weightplate is preferably made of steel and configured to weigh one andone-half pounds (or 0.75 kg on a metric embodiment). An upwardly openingslot 172 extends into the plate 167 and is configured to receive aspacer 117. The weight plate 167 has a relatively narrow lower end 171that is configured for insertion into a slot 207 on the base 200. Thetransition between the lower end 171 and the upper portion of the plate167 is defined by opposite side shoulders that project laterally outwardand have downwardly facing edges 173. A tab 174 protrudes laterallyoutward from one side of the plate 167, thereby defining a notch orspace 176 directly above the tab 174. A hole 177 extends through the tab174, and a hole 179 extends through the plate 167 proximate the sideopposite the tab 174.

One of the weight plates 168 is shown by itself in FIG. 8. The weightplate is preferably made of steel and configured to weigh three pounds(or 1.5 kg on a metric embodiment). An upwardly opening slot 182 extendsinto the plate 168 and is configured to receive a spacer 118. The weightplate 168 has a relatively narrow lower end 181 that is configured forinsertion into a slot 208 on the base 200. The transition between thelower end 181 and the upper portion of the plate 168 is defined byopposite side shoulders that project laterally outward and havedownwardly facing edges 183. A tab 185 protrudes laterally outward fromone side of the plate 168, and a hole 188 extends through the tab 185. Ahole 189 extends through the plate 168 proximate the tab 185, and thehole 189 aligns with the hole 179 in the plate 167 when the slots 182and 172 are aligned and the tabs 185 and 174 are arranged to extend inopposite directions. In other words, the holes 189 and 179 align whenthe plates 168 and 167 are aligned with neither tab 185 or 174overlapping the other plate.

One of the weight plates 169 is shown by itself in FIG. 9. The weightplate is preferably made of steel and configured to weigh four andone-half pounds (or 2.25 kg on a metric embodiment). An upwardly openingslot 192 extends into the plate 169 and is configured to receive arespective spacer (shown as a combination of one spacer 117 and onespacer 118). The weight plate 169 has a relatively narrow lower end 191that is configured for insertion into a slot 209 on the base 200. Thetransition between the lower end 191 and the upper portion of the plate169 is defined by opposite side shoulders that project laterally outwardand have downwardly facing edges 193. Tabs 194 and 195 protrudelaterally outward from opposite sides of the plate 169 and overlaprespective tabs 174 and 185 on the plates 167 and 168. A hole 197extends through the tab 194 and aligns with the hole 177 through the tab174 when the two tabs 194 and 174 are aligned with one another. A hole198 extends through the tab 195 and aligns with the hole 188 through thetab 185 when the two tabs 195 and 185 are aligned with one another. Ahole 199 extends through the plate 169 proximate the tab 195, and thehole 199 aligns with the holes 179 and 189 when the tabs 195 and 185 arealigned with one another.

Among other things, FIG. 4 shows an end view of the weight plates167-169 in axial alignment with one another and oriented as shown inFIGS. 7-9. The plate 167 is nearest the reader; the tab 185 on the plate168 is partially visible; and a portion of the plate 169 is visiblethrough the hole A in the supports 136-138 (and through the space 176above the tab 174 ).

FIGS. 15-17 show a weight selector 140 by itself. The weight selector140 is preferably an L-shaped pin that is made of steel. The weightselector 140 includes a first end portion 142 having a length L1, and asecond end portion 144 having a relatively greater length L2. The lengthL1 is preferably sufficient to accommodate insertion of the first endportion 142 through respective plates 136-137 and respective weightplates 167-168, and into but not entirely through a respective plate138. The length L2 is preferably sufficient to accommodate insertion ofthe second end portion 144 through all of the plates 136-139 and weightplates 167-169 at one end of the handle assembly 110. The subjectinvention will function with somewhat shorter lengths L1 and L2, aswell.

FIG. 3 shows the shorter end portion of the weight selector 140 insertedinto the holes A in at least the spacers 136-137, and perhaps the spacer138. The opposite end portion 144 is rotated to a latched positionbehind the wing 155 on the retainer 150, and between the central block151 and a respective tab 156. The wing 155 is preferably configured todeflect (like a leaf spring) to accommodate movement of either endportion 142 or 144 past either tab 156. In other words, the end portion144 “snaps” into and out of the position shown in FIG. 3. The endportion 144 must be rotated clear of the wing 155 before the end portion142 can be removed from the handle assembly 110.

FIG. 4 shows the longer end portion of the weight selector 140 insertedinto the holes D in at least the spacers 136-138, and perhaps the spacer139. The opposite end portion 142 is rotated to a latched positionbehind the wing 155 on the retainer 150, and between the central block151 and a respective tab 156. The end portion 142 must be rotated clearof the wing 155 before the end portion 144 can be removed from thehandle assembly 110.

The wing portions 153-154 are provided to engage the shorter end portion142 of the weight selector 140 when the longer end portion 144 isinserted through either of holes B or C (because the end portion 142falls short of the wing portion 155 in such cases). The wing portions153-154 are also preferably configured to deflect (like a leaf spring)to accommodate movement of the end portion 142 past a respective tab157. The stops 158 are provided on the wing portions 153-154 to limitdownward pivoting of the end portion 142 (because it falls short of thecentral block 151 in such cases).

The indicia on the plate 136 indicate how much the handle assembly 110will weigh when each weight selector 140 is similarly inserted into anyof the holes A-D at each end of the handle assembly 110. The firstnumbers indicate the mass associated with insertion of the shorter endportion 142 of the weight selector 140, and the second, “boxed” numbersindicate the mass associated with insertion of the longer end portion144. The “XX” indicates that the longer end portion 144 may not beinserted into the hole A. At least part of one of the end portions 142and 144 is marked to help the user distinguish between the two endportions and/or to associate each end with a respective set of indicia.For example, on the depicted embodiment, the shaded tip goes with the“boxed” numbers.

When each weight selector 140 occupies the position shown in FIG. 3, theend portions 142 by-pass the weight plates 167-168 and fall short of theweight plates 169, and the indicia correctly indicates that the emptyhandle assembly 110 will weigh three pounds (or 1.5 kg on a metricembodiment) when lifted from the base 200. When each weight selector 140occupies the position shown in FIG. 4, the end portions 144 engage allof the weight plates 167-169, and the indicia correctly indicates thatthe fully loaded handle assembly 110 will weigh twenty-one pounds (or10.5 kg on a metric embodiment) when lifted from the base 200. Thefollowing chart shows the different amounts of balanced weight that areavailable on the dumbbell 100.

Hole-End Handle Weights 167 Weights 168 Weights 169 Total A-142 3 0 0 03 B-142 3 3 0 0 6 C-142 3 0 6 0 9 D-l42 3 3 6 0 12 B-144 3 3 0 9 15C-144 3 0 6 9 18 D-144 3 3 6 9 21

An advantage of the dumbbell 100 is that only three discrete weightplates are required on each side of the dumbbell to provide sevendifferent, balanced dumbbell loads. Another advantage of the dumbbell100 is that six additional, somewhat out of balance loads may beselected, as well. For example, the handle assembly 110 may be set toweigh seven and one-half pounds by selecting only the weight plate 167at one end of the handle assembly 110, and only the weight plate 168 atthe other end of the handle assembly 110.

As already discussed above to some extent, various changes may be madeto the dumbbell 100 to arrive at alternative embodiments of the subjectinvention. For example, retainers 150 (or variations thereof) may bemounted on the distal ends of the handle assembly 110, as opposed toopposite ends of the hand grip 120, in which case the sequence of theweight plates 167-169 is preferably reversed, as well. Also, the weightplates may be arranged in a different order, and/or provided indifferent numbers, weight amounts, and/or combinations. For example,weight plates weighing one pound, two pounds, and three pounds may besubstituted for the weight plates 167-169. The resulting dumbbell may beadjusted between three and fifteen pounds in one pound increments. Onanother embodiment, a handle assembly weighing five pounds may becombined with weight plates weighing one and one-quarter pounds, two andone-half pounds, and three and three-quarters pounds to provide five totwenty pounds in increments of one and one-quarter pounds.

Another possible change is to provide weight selectors in the form ofU-shaped pins. The opposite ends of the U-shaped pin may be similarlyconfigured with lengths L1 and L2, and the “inactive” end may beinserted into a “storage” opening in the upper portions of the spacers117 and 118 (and through modified support plates). On this alternativeembodiment, the weight selector holes in the modified support plates arepreferably disposed at a common radius from a centrally located storageopening. Also, a different retainer arrangement is required because theU-shaped pin cannot be rotated subsequent to insertion. One possiblearrangement is described below with reference to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows an end of another dumbbell 300 constructed according tothe principles of the present invention. Like the dumbbell 100, thedumbbell 300 includes a weight lifting member or handle assembly havinga hand grip 120 mounted on an intermediate portion of a bar 112. A groupof weight supports 336-338 and spacers 317-318 is mounted on each end ofthe bar 112. The spacers 317 and 318 are generally similar to thespacers 117 and 118.

Weight plates 370 and 380 are configured to receive respective spacers317 and 318 and to fit between respective plates 336-339 in a mannersimilar to the weight plates 167-169 associated with the dumbbell 100.Each weight plate 370 is preferably made of steel and configured toweigh two and one-half pounds (or 1.25 kg on a metric embodiment), andeach weight plate 380 is preferably made of steel and configured toweigh five pounds (or 2.5 kg on a metric embodiment). Upwardly openingslots 372 and 382 extend into respective weight plates 370 and 380 toaccommodate respective spacers 317 and 318. Also, a notch extendslaterally into each of the weight plates 370 and 380.

The supports 336-338 have an elliptical profile and define two slots 333and 334. At least some of the supports 336-338 are preferably made ofsteel to make the empty handle assembly weigh five pounds (or 2.5 kg ona metric embodiment). The slots 334 align axially with the notches inthe weight plates 370 and 380 when the spacers 317 and 318 occupy theslots 372 and 382 in respective weight plates 370 and 380.

On each end of the dumbbell 300, a weight selector 340 is alternativelyinserted into one of the slots 333 and 334. Each weight selector 340 ispreferably a generally rectangular strip of steel. Each weight selector340 has a first end portion 342 and a second end portion 344. A notch347 extends into one side of the bar 340 proximate the first end portion342. The notch 347 is configured to accommodate passage of either weightplate 370 or 380 when radially aligned therewith.

FIG. 19 shows the weight selector 340 inserted through the slots 333,and through the slots 372 and 382 in the weight plates 370 and 380,respectively. In this situation, neither of the weight plates 370 or 380is engaged by the weight selector 340 (regardless of the way in whichthe weight selector 340 is inserted into the slot 333). With both weightselectors 340 inserted in this manner, the handle assembly will weighfive pounds (or 2.5 kg on a metric embodiment) when lifted from anassociated base.

FIG. 20 shows the weight selector 340 inserted through the slots 334with the first end portion 342 leading the way, and with the notch 347opening toward the weight plate 380. In this situation, the weightselector 340 occupies the notch in the weight plate 370 and thereby keysthe weight plate 370 to the supports 336-338. With both weight selectors340 inserted in this manner, the handle assembly will weigh ten pounds(or 5 kg on a metric embodiment) when lifted from an associated base.

FIG. 21 shows the weight selector 340 inserted through the slots 334with the second end portion 344 leading the way, and with the notch 347opening toward the weight plate 370. In this situation, the weightselector 340 occupies the notch in the weight plate 380 and thereby keysthe weight plate 380 to the supports 336-338. With both weight selectors340 inserted in this manner, the handle assembly will weigh fifteenpounds (or 7.5 kg on a metric embodiment) when lifted from an associatedbase.

FIG. 22 shows the weight selector 340 inserted through the slots 334with the first end portion 342 leading the way, and with the notch 347opening away from the weight plates 370 and 380. In this situation, theweight selector 340 occupies the notches in both weight plates 370 and380 and thereby keys both weight plates 370 and 380 to the supports336-338. With both weight selectors 340 inserted in this manner, thehandle assembly will weigh twenty pounds (or 10 kg on a metricembodiment) when lifted from an associated base.

As suggested by the foregoing description, the dumbbell 300 providesfour different, balanced amounts of weight. Also, as on the dumbbell100, additional, intermediate weight amounts may be selected by making adifferent weight selection at each end of the handle assembly. In otherwords, the dumbbell 300, is adjustable between five and twenty pounds inincrements of two and one-half pounds (or between 2.5 kg and 10 kg inincrements of 1.25 kg).

Latches 350 are mounted on respective inner end supports 336, and stops360 are mounted on respective outer end supports 338. For purposes ofmanufacturing efficiency and/or alternative operating locations for theuser, the stops 360 are preferably identical to the latches 350, andboth will be described as retainers for ease of reference. The retainers350 and 360 are preferably made of plastic and formed by injectionmolding.

As shown in FIG. 18, the retainer 350 includes a base or hub 351 that isrotatably mounted on the plate 336. Legs 353 extend in oppositedirections from the hub 351 and overlie respective slots 333 and 334. Anarm 354 extends away from the hub 351 in a direction perpendicular tothe legs 353, and a finger 355 extends perpendicularly away from the arm354 proximate the hub 351. The arm 354 and the finger 355 bear againstrespective portions of the hand grip 120 to discourage rotation of theretainer 350 relative to the plate 336. On the outboard retainer 360,the arm and finger bear against an end fastener (not shown) that mayhave a somewhat thicker head than the fasteners 102 on the dumbbell 100.In any event, the finger 355 is configured to deflect (like a leafspring) to accommodate counter-clockwise rotation of the retainer 350 inresponse to application of sufficient torque by a user. In other words,the finger 355 biases the retainer to remain in the orientation shown inFIG. 18, thereby discouraging unintentional removal of the weightselector 340.

The present invention may also be described in terms of various methodsof adjusting resistance to exercise, with reference to one or more ofthe embodiments disclosed herein, for example. One such method involvesproviding a weight lifting member having weight supports and defining alongitudinal axis; providing weights sized and configured to besupported by the weight supports; providing a weight selector having afirst end portion sized and configured for insertion into less than allof the weights, and a relatively longer, second end portion sized andconfigured for insertion into a relatively greater number of theweights; and alternatively inserting the first end portion and thesecond end portion into respective weights to secure desiredcombinations of the weights to the lifting member.

The subject invention may also be described in terms of adjustableexercise weight systems. One such system includes a weight liftingmember that defines a longitudinal axis; weight supports mounted on theweight lifting member; weights sized and configured to be supported bythe weight supports; and a weight selector having a first end portionconfigured to select a first combination of the weights upon insertioninto a passage defined by at least some of the weight supports, andhaving a second end portion configured to select a different, secondcombination of the weights upon insertion into the passage.

The present invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments and particular applications. However, this disclosure willenable those skilled in the art to derive additional embodiments and/orapplications. For example, some of the disclosed selection apparatusand/or methods may be applicable to weight stack machines, as well asfree weights. Moreover, features of the disclosed embodiments and/ormethods may be mixed and matched in numerous ways to arrive atadditional variations of the present invention. In view of theforegoing, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only tothe extent of the following claims.

1. A method of adjusting weight resistance to exercise, comprising thesteps of: providing a weight lifting member having weight supports anddefining a longitudinal axis; providing weights sized and configured tobe supported by the weight supports; providing a weight selector havinga first end portion sized and configured for insertion into less thanall of the weights, and a relatively longer, second end portion sizedand configured for insertion into a relatively greater number of theweights; and alternatively inserting the first end portion and thesecond end portion into respective weights to secure desiredcombinations of the weights to the lifting member.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the weight lifting member is provided with a handle,and a first group of the weight supports is disposed at one end of thehandle, and a second group of the weight supports is disposed at anopposite end of the handle.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprisingthe step of providing a retainer on the weight lifting member toreleasably retain either said end portion when the other said endportion is inserted into respective said weights.
 4. The method of claim2, wherein a first one of the weights is provided with an outwardlyprojecting tab that extends laterally in a first direction and defines afirst hole, and a second one of the weights is provided with anoutwardly projecting tab that extends laterally in an opposite, seconddirection and defines a second hole, and when the first one of theweights and the second one of the weights are axially aligned, each saidtab is visible from each end of the longitudinal axis.
 5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein a third one of the weights is provided with a firstoutwardly projecting tab that extends laterally in the first directionand defines a third hole that aligns with the first hole, and with asecond outwardly projecting tab that extends laterally in the seconddirection and defines a fourth hole that aligns with the second hole,and only the second portion is long enough to enter both the third holeand the first hole and alternatively, to enter both the fourth hole andthe second hole.
 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising the stepof providing a base to support the weights in a rest position.
 7. Anexercise dumbbell, comprising: a handle assembly that defines alongitudinal axis; weight supports secured to opposite ends of thehandle assembly; weights sized and configured to be supported by theweight supports, including a first weight having an outwardly projectingtab that extends laterally in a first direction and defines a firsthole, and a second weight having an outwardly projecting tab thatextends laterally in an opposite, second direction and defines a secondhole, wherein when the first weight and the second weight are axiallyaligned, each said tab is visible from each end of the longitudinalaxis; and a weight selector configured for insertion through at leastone of the weight supports, through the first hole, and alongside of thesecond weight, and alternatively, for insertion through at least one ofthe weight supports, alongside of the first weight, and through thesecond hole.
 8. The exercise dumbbell of claim 7, further comprising abase configured to support the weights in a rest position.
 9. Theexercise dumbbell of claim 7, wherein the weight selector includes afirst end portion and a relatively longer, second end portion thatextends perpendicular to the first end portion.
 10. The exercisedumbbell of claim 9, wherein the weights include a third weight having afirst outwardly projecting tab that extends laterally in the firstdirection and defines a third hole that aligns with the first hole, anda second outwardly projecting tab that extends laterally in the seconddirection and defines a fourth hole that aligns with the second hole,and only the second portion is long enough to enter both the third holeand the first hole and alternatively, to enter both the fourth hole andthe second hole.
 11. The exercise dumbbell of claim 7, wherein at leasttwo of the weight supports are configured to define a first passage thataligns with the first hole, and a second passage that aligns with thesecond hole, and a third passage that extends above the tab on the firstweight and alongside of the second weight.
 12. An adjustable weightexercise apparatus, comprising: a weight lifting member that defines alongitudinal axis; weight supports mounted on the weight lifting member;weights sized and configured to be supported by the weight supports; anda weight selector having a first end portion configured to select afirst combination of the weights upon insertion into a passage definedby at least some of the weight supports, and having a second end portionconfigured to select a different, second combination of the weights uponinsertion into the passage.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12,wherein the weight lifting member includes a handle, and a first groupof the weight supports is disposed at one end of the handle, and asecond group of the weight supports is disposed at an opposite end ofthe handle.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the weightselector is L-shaped.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, whereinthe second end portion is longer than the first end portion.
 16. Theexercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the passage extends through afirst one of the weights and alongside of a second one of the weights.17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the passage extendsthrough an outwardly projecting tab on the first one of the weights. 18.The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first end portion isconfigured to select a third combination of the weights upon insertioninto a second passage defined by at least some of the weight supports,and the second end portion is configured to select a fourth combinationof the weights upon insertion into the second passage.
 19. The exerciseapparatus of claim 13, wherein a first one of the weights defines anotch that aligns with the passage, and a second one of the weightsdefines a notch that aligns with the passage.
 20. The exercise apparatusof claim 13, wherein the weight selector is a bar, and at least onenotch in the bar has an axially measured width that is greater than anaxially measured thickness of at least one of the weights.
 21. Theexercise apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a means fordiscouraging unintended removal of the weight selector from the passage.22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the means includes aclip that disposed adjacent one of the weight supports and configured toreleasably retain either said end portion when the other said endportion is inserted into the passage.
 23. An exercise dumbbell,comprising: a handle that defines a longitudinal axis; weight supportsmounted on opposite ends of the handle; weights sized and configured tobe supported in respective, axially spaced positions defined by theweight supports; and a weight selector having a first end portionconfigured to span a first group of the weights upon insertion into apassage defined by at least some of the weight supports, and arelatively longer, second end portion configured to span a second groupof the weights upon insertion into a passage defined by at least some ofthe weight supports.
 24. The exercise dumbbell of claim 23, furthercomprising a base configured to support the weights in a rest position.25. An exercise dumbbell, comprising: a handle assembly having a handlethat defines a longitudinal axis; first weight supports mounted on afirst end of the handle assembly; second weight supports mounted on asecond end of the handle assembly; first end weights configured to besupported in respective, axially spaced positions defined by the firstweight supports, wherein the first end weights include a first weight, asecond weight that weighs twice as much as the first weight, and a thirdweight that weighs three times as much as the first weight; second endweights configured to be supported in respective, axially spacedpositions defined by the second weight supports, wherein the second endweights include a fourth weight, a fifth weight that weighs twice asmuch as the fourth weight, and a sixth weight that weighs three times asmuch as the fourth weight; and at least one weight selector configuredto releasably connect different combinations of the weights to thehandle assembly wherein the at least one weight selector is insertedthrough a first passage defined by the weight supports to select a firstcombination of the weights, and the at least one weight selector isalternatively inserted through a second passage defined by the weightsupports to select a second combination of the weights.
 26. The exercisedumbbell of claim 25, further comprising a base configured to supportthe weights in a rest position.
 27. The exercise dumbbell of claim 25,wherein the first passage aligns with holes in only the first weight andthe third weight, and the second passage aligns with holes in only thesecond weight and the third weight.